Rumor - In Development

Driverless Transportation Vehicles Coming to Walt Disney World?

Time Frame

Unknown, but possible late 2017/early 2018

Rumor Status

In Development

Specific Details

Walt Disney World is in the late stages of negotations with at least two manufacturers of autonomous (driverless) shuttles. The two reported companies are Local Motors, based in Phoenix, and Navya, based in Paris.

At this time it is unknown how these vehicles will be used, but speculation is that they would be used for transportation between resorts and parks. It is also unknown if one or both vendors would be used.

A pilot program to transport Disney cast members may take place later this year.

This would represent the largest commercial use of any such system.

The vehicles themselves would likely have furnished interiors more similar to a living room than a standard vehicle.

Rumor Timeline

July 11, 2017: On the latest episode of the Unofficial Guide's Disney Dish podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa discussed the driverless cars that could be coming to Walt Disney World. They also indicated that Siemens offered Disney a full fleet of Siemens branded monorails but Disney turned them down with the knowledge that they weren't far away from these driverless vehicles.

April 28, 2017: The LA Times is reporting that Walt Disney World is in the late stages of negotations with at least two manufacturers of autonomous (driverless) shuttles. The two reported companies are Local Motors, based in Phoenix, and Navya, based in Paris.

At this time it is unknown how these vehicles will be used, but speculation is that they would be used for transportation between resorts and parks. It is also unknown if one or both vendors would be used.

A pilot program to transportation Disney cast members may take place later this year.